Sag Down Stream

The day is done for
and I'm riding nightfall's stretch limo
to its funeral,
a slow, sunset processional.

If I'm still alive tomorrow,
if I'm free,
it's cause I'm running
through the clouds,
a forest filled with smoke rings.

Hate has taken everything
it wants from me.
I'm a butterfly
with no camouflage
on my wings.

Whatever it is that kills us:
doubt, disease,
the rising rage, or
the purple haze that
makes us choke.

In between the cliffs of a guitar riff,
we recall that life is nothing more
than a well-known joke.

Artwork: “Purple Haze” by CHRIS NIBLOCK

13 responses to “Sag Down Stream”

johnlmalone

I enjoy the craft in this, K: the unobtrusive rhymes, the dark imagery and that last stanza: yes, the joke’s on us but we can go out laughing anyway —

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1. K.F. Hartless
  
  Indeed. I love laughing at jokes, even the ones that everybody knows. Cheers to more laughter all around. Thanks, John.
  
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John

That’s a great painting. Imagine what kind of music Jimmy could have made if he had not passed so young. Move over rover, let Jimmy take over.

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K.F. Hartless

I can’t even begin to imagine. His skill was already so effortless. The painting’s creator is linked. It was a lucky, happy find.

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Michele Lee

The joke is on all of us, isn’t it? But hey, gives you some material for your fabulous poems.
“a forest filled with smoke rings” – lost in this line! 👏🏻

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1. K.F. Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, Michele. I enjoyed the tunes this afternoon and the inspiration.
  
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  1. Michele Lee
    
    You’re welcome, K. It’s great!
    
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jonicaggiano

Beautiful writing. ❤️

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mistermaxxx08

Great painting and writing. Peace and respect

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tiffanyarpdaleo

Love this one, K! 💜

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Ordinary Person

A very very good tribute. I love how Jimi Hendrix is portrayed as a carefree, living in the moment, free spirit who acknowledges his pain, but finds catharsis in making music.

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Nicole Smith

Brilliant writing here.

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Ra Na-Ged

Hey, it’s Jimi!

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